Pediatric Level-2 Academic Year

The second year of training is designed to allow the resident greater responsibility for patient care. He or she has the opportunity to hone clinical skills learned during the PL-1 year and to gain in-depth knowledge in specialized areas of pediatrics. 

Electives (8-12 weeks)

Elective opportunities include infectious disease, nephrology, hematology/oncology, pulmonology, rheumatology, allergy, cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, genetics, immunology, radiology, anesthesia, general surgery and surgical subspecialties, neurology, psychiatry, research and private practice. Each PL-2 will be provided with a "call-free" month which may be used for electives at other institutions unavailable at St. Chris or for international experiences. Residents on electives will be periodically available for "jeopardy" and weekend call. This allows the inpatient PL-2's and PL-3's to have "golden weekends".

Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (4 weeks)

The PL-2 will learn to screen for, identify, and manage a variety of behavioral and developmental issues including and associated with autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy and various cognitive and neurologic disorders. Residents also participate in the SNAP clinic which follows premature infants, and gain exposure to audiology, physical therapy and occupational therapy services. Residents on this rotation will periodically cover jeopardy and inpatient weekend call.

Adolescent medicine (4 weeks)

The PL-2 will learn to identify and manage the medical and psychosocial issues associated with adolescence. The three major types of clinic visits are well child, family planning, and STD screening and treatment. Residents on this rotation will periodically cover jeopardy and inpatient weekend call.

Intensive Care Unit (4 weeks + 2 weeks night float)

The 2nd year ICU resident works closely with the attending physicians and PL-3's in caring for the most critically ill children in the unit.  In an effort to maximize the educational value of night float, the night float ICU residents are responsible for presenting all ICU patients during AM work rounds. ICU night float is Sunday-Thursday 6:30pm-8:30am. 

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (8 weeks)

The 2nd year NICU experience takes place at the St. Christopher's Hospital for Children 30 bed, Level 3c NICU.  All patients are critically ill and are transferred from outside institutions oftentimes requiring surgical consultation and repair. ECMO is performed at this facility. PL-2s only "traditional" call occurs while in the NICU where they are supervised by a fellow. Call frequency is every fourth night and residents leave after rounds the next day (by 1pm at the latest but usually by 11am).

Emergency Medicine (8-12 weeks)

ER shifts in the 2nd year are 10-11hrs. The PL-1 experience allows the PL-2 residents to work efficiently, seeing a higher volume of patients and of higher acuity. Residents on electives occasionally cover weekend shifts in the ER.

Night Float (2-8 weeks)

Second-year residents have the opportunity to supervise PL-1’s on inpatient night float for 2 to 8 weeks during the year.  The remainder of after hours coverage is incorporated into our night float experiences. PL-2’s spend 2 to 3 weeks as part of a night float team in the ICU, where they are supervised by a PL-3. While on night float, your weekends are free.

Continuity Clinic (1/2 day weekly)

The PL-2's patient panel has grown considerably as has their autonomy in making patient care decisions. PL-2's are expected to see at least 5 patients during each session and to prepare at least 3 twenty-five minute pre-clinic talks for the year.

Educational Retreat (1 day)

The second year of training also includes a one-day educational retreat focused on preparing the residents for their upcoming role as supervising PL-3's.

Vacation (4 weeks)

Click Next to read about the third year of the program (PL-3).